New resource allocation percentage is ignored

[Chauncey]

I use a shared resource pool. I noticed that somehow my percentage allocation
on a task was 106%. Don't know how that happened.. but I changed the task
allocation to 15% and then saved the project and the resource pool.

Apparently Microsoft doesn't like that answer because each time I close and
re-open these projects, the percentage is back at 106%. The only way it does
not bounce back to that value is if I open the sharer project alone and do
not open the resource pool when asked.

This behavior has happened on several tasks in several different projects.

Heeeeellllllppp

 

[JulieS]

Hello Chauncey,

Have you entered any tracking data (actual work) on the task? It's
possible that by entering actual work, you have increased the assignment
unit. Open the Resource Usage view and add actual work and Peak Units
to the timescale portion of the view. See if you can track down the Peak
of 106%. By changing the assignment unit to 15%, you are setting it for
remaining work, not any actual work recorded.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project

 

[Chauncey]

Yes, I do have actual values entered and yes the "Peak" column does say 106%
but I have no idea how to "track down" where it came from. I'll look up the
definition of "peak" and see if that gives me some direction.

However, I think I'm not so interested in what my past behavior was.
Certainly I do overtime and thus go over 100% total allocation. My problem is
that I want the calendar duration to spread out based on my target "future"
allocation for that task... which is 15%. Am I incorrect that percentage
allocation is applied only to unfinished work? If that is the case, why is MS
Project not allowing me to make this change.... and increase the duration
accordingly?

Sure appreciate you looking at this. I noticed you've been helping folks in
lots of other threads.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi Chauncey,

Yes, this is not obvious to say the least.
When you add new remaining work to a finished task Proejct takes as units
the highest of the previously entered actuals and it has completely
forgotten your initial assignment units. One worders who and why, but we
cannot change it!
So when adding remaining work to a task that was enetred as finished, you
have to reset the assignment units (doubel-click on the assignment line in a
usage view for instance or insert a column assignment units)
Pity indeed, but cannot be changed :-((

 

[Chauncey]

Whoa! Would never have figured that out. Thanks.

I'm not really understanding how to "reset" that field though without first
removing me as a resource.... which I presume would mess up previously
entered time worked. Could you please explain that I little more on how to
reset without loosing data?

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

You never change "Actual Work" data.
The past is huistory, and Project will respect that.
It's just that the schizophrenic situation now culminates but to the
advantage of the user.
Proejct will go on SHOWING 106% in all views but will RECALCULTE your
REMAINING work (not your actuals) with the right percentage.
Hope this helps,

 

[Chauncey]

Thanks. I guess the moral of the story is to never let a task "complete"
until it is really completed!? I'm not thrilled to have many tasks in my
master project showing unrealistic allocations...but it's sure helpful to
know I can stop looking for ways to try to correct it.

Thanks for taking the time.

 

[JulieS]

Hello Chauncey,

I see Jan has stepped in and picked up where I left off. I'm glad you
were able to get the answer you needed, even if it's not particularly
one you wanted.

Thanks for the assist Jan -- it's wonderful having folks in all
different time zones!

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project